Lawmaker: Proposed bill will create jobs in rural Utah

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LOGAN, Utah (AP) — A Utah lawmaker has introduced a bill that would create a pilot Utah State University Extension program to help boost employment in rural parts of the state.

The Herald Journal reports Republican State Rep. Michael Noel says the legislation — named the “Rural Online Initiative” — if signed into law by Gov. Gary Herbert, would put rural counties on pace to meet the 25,000 jobs in five years goal proposed last year by the chief executive’s office.

The bill proposes about $2 million for Utah State University Extension to create a pilot program that helps people in rural areas gain employment or find freelance opportunities online so they don’t have to relocate.

Noel’s bill says the rural online initiative would be available in one county initially and then expand.

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